Intergenerational Pen Pals
The HOSC Intergenerational Pen Pals program connects underserved elementary and middle school students with adults aged 55 and better. This program aims to improve students’ academic performance, emotional well-being, and social development by creating meaningful relationships and mutually beneficial learning.
By forming personal connections, students can overcome obstacles to academic success and build trusting, transformative relationships. Interacting with supportive older adults outside their families helps students create positive associations with school and encourages their academic growth.
Become a Pen Pal
Who: Caring and reliable community members, ages 55 and better who enroll as AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Volunteers.
What: Pen pals write one letter per month. We provide training, prompts, support, and all communication is handled safely through schools and program staff.
Where: Remote with students in Wheeling and Palatine.
When: The program runs from October to May, with a commitment of two hours per month. The program typically celebrates the end of the year with an in-person meet and greet.
Why: Help students learn outside of the classroom environment and develop trusting relationships with non-familial adults.
For additional information about becoming an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Volunteer and joining the Intergenerational Pen Pals program, email rsvp@handsonsuburbanchicago.org or sign up to become an RSVP Volunteer and list Pen Pals as your desired volunteer site.
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Volunteers exchange engaging letters with elementary and middle school students, cultivating stable, trusting relationships. Pen Pals receive training in instructional strategies, which helps foster socialization, connection, and trusting relationships between students and non-familial adults. Specifically, they support:
- Language Skills
The program improves English language fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension through enjoyable reading and writing activities. - Confidence Building
Students become more confident as they participate in meaningful communication. - Critical Thinking
The program enhances critical thinking skills by promoting thoughtful interactions. - Engaging Learning
Students experience enjoyable and meaningful learning.
Our Partners
The Intergenerational Pen Pals Program proudly partners with Wheeling Community Consolidated School District 21 (Tarkington Elementary School), Community Consolidated School District 15 (Jane Addams Elementary School), and AmeriCorps Seniors.
HOSC School Programs
Our school programs provide opportunities for low-income, high-risk elementary and middle school students to succeed in high school. These programs improve the grades, attendance, and social and emotional well-being of students – many of whom have limited English proficiency and receive special education – leading to successful transitions to high school. We achieve this by holistically addressing student and family needs with an integrated multi-tier support system combining tutoring, mentoring, behavioral health services, and case management in collaboration with community partners.